A Wolverine man accused of methamphetamine charges was granted a 30-day adjournment while awaiting trial Tuesday in Cheboygan County 53rd Circuit Court.
Lyle Gordon Ochs, 38, earlier stood mute to 10 charges in connection with possession of materials and operating a meth lab — felonies that carry up to a 20-year sentence upon conviction. However, due to Ochs' previous conviction on drug charges, the maximum is enhanced to 40 years in prison. Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf by the court.
Tuesday, Indian river attorney Thomas Hungerford stated that he is now representing Ochs and needed time to prepare his case. Judge Scott Pavlich granted the request and set Oct. 8 for jury selection.
Ochs was stopped by a Cheboygan County Sheriff's Deputy in early March after running a stop sign near Wolverine. During a search of the vehicle, it was determined that newly-purchased materials found with receipts of purchase to be those used in manufacturing methamphetamine.
The Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement team, also known as SANE, was called in to assist in executing a search warrant on a Nunda Township residence where Ochs was residing. Police allege that additional items of meth production were found in addition to marijuana, and Ochs was also charged with possession of marijuana and operating while intoxicated/drugs.
Ochs came to his initial preliminary examination free on a $20,000 cash or surety bond, but after testing positive for a random drug screen he was taken into custody. Tuesday, Judge Scott Pavlich reinstated a new cash or surety bond of $30,000. Ochs was free on bond Tuesday.
Hungerford stated in court that his client has been presented a plea agreement that is being considered.